Capacitor Discharge Calculator

Formula

The formula to calculate the discharge voltage across a capacitor (Vc) is:

\[ Vc = Vi \times e^{-t/(R \times C)} \]

Where:

\( Vc \) is the Capacitor Discharge Voltage (V)
\( Vi \) is the Initial Voltage (V)
\( t \) is the Time (seconds)
\( R \) is the Total Resistance of the Circuit (Ohms)
\( C \) is the Total Capacitance of the Circuit (Farads)

What is Capacitor Discharge?

Capacitor discharge is the process by which the electrical energy stored in a capacitor is released in a controlled manner. When a capacitor is charged, it accumulates electric charge on its plates, creating an electric field between them. This stored energy can be discharged when the circuit is completed, allowing the capacitor to release its charge. This process is characterized by an exponential decrease in voltage over time.

Example Calculation

Let's consider an example:

Initial Voltage (Vi): 10 V
Time (t): 5 seconds
Total Resistance (R): 1000 Ohms
Total Capacitance (C): 0.001 Farads

Using the formula to calculate Capacitor Discharge Voltage:

\[ Vc = 10 \times e^{-5/(1000 \times 0.001)} = 10 \times e^{-5/1} = 10 \times e^{-5} \approx 0.0677 \, \text{V} \]

This means that after 5 seconds, the voltage across the capacitor would be approximately 0.0677 V.